proxy/NAT software

[^dAvEy^]

We have 3 pc's in the house (all w/ nic cards) and 2 of them are sharing the ASDL service (service includes 2 IP's) via a HUB.

Now, the new guy wants in, as it were...

The problem is that we have 2 HUBs in the building (only one being uses) and the new guy has switch that could be used too, but we have no router...

The situation, as I understand it, we could:[list=1][*] just have him hook up to the HUB that is in place and pay the monthly fee for the extra IP address[*] hock the HUBs and switch and get a router instead[*] get some kind of proxy/NAT software[/list=a]how does this sound, folks?
am I missing other viable options?
is the software idea a good one?

comments/suggestions/recommendations please!

TIA...

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^dAvEy^

[10ECsoon]

Hi Davey.
All three are perfectly viable options. Is this "new guy" someone you want to have access to your existing LAN? That would be something to consider. If it's OK, then pretty much choose your option, I'd go for cheapest cost, which can still be a toss up.

1. Existing hub, add new IP address. What's that, about $5-10 a month? As long as all the protocols match, that sounds like the easiest bet.
2. Buy a router. This could eliminate the need for more than one IP from the DSL service. However, it's also probably the costliest up front.
3. NAT - sort of like turning one of your computers into a router. You'll need a second NIC in the main machine and it will always need to be on for access to the DSL.

Hope this helps

[^dAvEy^]

thanks for the reply, 10ECsoon...

Originally posted by 10ECsoon:
Is this "new guy" someone you want to have access to your existing LAN? That would be something to consider.

I'm wondering about the innevitable and probable/potential ramifications of this - comments please

1. Existing hub, add new IP address...
As long as all the protocols match...

how might we confirm the match of protocols one way or another?

2. Buy a router

likely the most stable and <over-time> cost effective option?

3. NAT - sort of like turning one of your computers into a router...
need a second NIC in the main machine...
it will always need to be on for access to the DSL

- understood
- didn't know that - about $10-$25 CAN, I guess?
- understood

wondering if all/most of the proxy software options deal with this NAT option as described?

thanks again &
TIA...

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^dAvEy^

[This message has been edited by ^dAvEy^ (edited 05-02-2002).]

[Vernon Frazee]

Here's one way to do it:

You already have your ADSL modem. Plug a Linksys BEFSR41 (EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4 port Switch) into the back of it. Run a CAT5 cable from each port on the back of the BEFSR41 to each PCs NIC.

You now only need a single IP address, and, the BEFSR41 is also acting as a firewall.

If you ever get to the point where you've used up all four ports on the BEFSR41, simply hook up a Hub to it and start plugging more PCs into the Hub.

[onedaddycat]

If you have an old 486 and a couple of nic's laying around, you could build your own.

see here. http://www.freesco.org/freesco/p4.shtml

It's not necessary but it's a cool project, and if you have the parts laying around...

it's free. Even if you bought all the parts you still should spend less than $50.

hope that helps

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it's just a jump to the left....

[10ECsoon]

Well, there are several options to keep the new guy from having access to the other computers in the house, like using different workgroup names or not using file and print sharing. That all depends on what your network needs are and the knowledge of this "new guy" to overcome your stops. I'd do a little research on intranet security if this sounds like an issue to you.
The protocols are no big deal, just set up his network properties like the DSL provider shows.
The proxy/NAT setup will need a second card in the main machine, so that there is an external connection (to the internet) and a separate internal connection (to the other computers). I think the router (like the Linksys that Vernon described) will be a bit easier to implement and not use resources on one of your computers. It will also allow you to turn any machine on and off as you please without interrupting internet access. The Linksys has NAT built in, so you know how that works.
I hope this helps.

[Daufuski]

I would go with, 1 router and 1 IP. I personally prefer the old computer turned into a router/firewall. It works amazingly well and depending on which distro you use, you will have a real SPI firewall and not a NAT firewall. And because it is your "box" it is much easier to access the inner workings and customize as you see fit, you can even install a 56k modem for dialup access via the "box" and set up a VPN. I have the linksys at home and with cost hovering around $70, it is a great deal. The Linksys is very easy to use, but compaired to what you can accomplish with your home made router/firewall/printserver, the Linksys could be considred training wheels. I have been reading your (^dAvEy^'s) posts for some time and if I remember the tone and direction of your posts correctly, I think you would be happier with the home-made.

...dauf

[^dAvEy^]

Vernon Frazee:
thanks - this seams a vey practical solution...
the linksys unit you suggest runs about $150 CAN after taxes, however...
if the "new guy" wants to fit the bill, I reckon we'll go that route.

10ECsoon:
no networking other than sharing internet access wanted...
fact is, one of the pc's is on constantly, except periodically when I shutdown/reboot when doing maintenance.

onedaddycat:
super option! you link to a most cool site. Although I don't have the necessary parts at this time, I will be working on buikding a router at some time in the <hopefully near> future.

dauf:
most attentive and perceptive, dauf!
Indeed, learning and building is atractive to me, and "<I> would <indeed> be happier with the home-made."

Thanks to you all, folks...
I'll keeping you posted, indeed!

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^dAvEy^

[This message has been edited by ^dAvEy^ (edited 05-02-2002).]